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Voters will take to the polls in November to decide the fate of Oakland-Craig and Tekamah-Herman schools staying where they are or consolidating. Kat Country Hub decided to see what some people think of the schools consolidating. Here are the opinions:

Cindy Schorn If it will give kids a good education and is financially a better choice then I think it’s a good thing

Kay Marie Throener I love the idea of my daughter going to a smaller school. I dont want her getting lost in a class where the teacher is unable to help all the students if they need it. More one on one teacher to student.

Jody Davis Its a good thing I don’t have a close personal stake in it!but here goes no!

Lauri Bundy Canarsky Denise, you and I both are from Tekamah & Oakland. We both understand the conflict that happens. Left to their own devices,the younger kids would adjust if they were merged, but we both know that the adults would find conflict, no matter what happens. Over 25 years since Oakland & Craig merged, and we still that “the Oakland people” & “the Craig people”. I’m sure Tekamah & Herman have the same situation.

Jasmine Haeffner Helzer I started elementary the year Lyons-Decatur joined. We seen our Decatur class mates twice a year. Once on our field trip and once during our track & field day. Unlike our previous consolidations this is for high school only. I feel there are many questions that need to be answered, and still details that need to be discussed.

Debbie Meyer Krutilek Consolidation is never easy and no one likes to see change. This plan has been researched and discussed for long enough. Time for the communities to make their decision and move forward, one way or another.

I was a student during the consolidation of schools in the early 70’s. At that time the decision was made to be proactive, instead of reactive.Consolidating two schools takes lots of cooperation and dedication from Administrators, board members, teachers and community members. Our kids will make us proud no matter where they attend classes. It’s up to the voters to decide what they feel is best for our youth. The bottom line is “School is for Kids”.

Delwin Anderson Just my opinion…I feel when it is time to vote on things like this, it should be for property owners only…tired of taking the weight from those who don’t contribute but still get all the benefits. Just sayin..I know t doesn’t work that way…but you asked!

Leann Canarsky Jorgensen I am on the fence about it! I know that things need to change with the times, but I really like the fact that my kids are in town for school. They can walk if needed, & I’m not real crazy about highway 32 on a good day, so I cannot imagine what winter will be like! I wish we could all be one district, share administration & still have our own schools in town. Does that make sense?

Susan Reynolds-Seery Both my kids will be out of school so me it won’t matter, but I believe what is better for our kids is what should matter. I came from a BIG school, Millard South in Omaha and graduated with about 400 kids, my kids now have like 7 kids in each class and are getting the attention they need. I just hope whatever the decision it’s for the KIDS!

Tami Friedl Hovendick I am not for it! It’s not like they’re consolidating all of the grades and putting them into one school they’re still going to have these schools open even with the Elementary in there so what’s the point of just consolidating the high schools.

Consolidation of Oakland-Craig and Tekamah-Herman Schools is a hot topic in each community.

There are many inaccurate accounts of the situation being stated from each town involved. I heard someone so upset stating Tekamah-Herman were coming to Oakland-Craig to school. I have heard others say the students from each school will not get along. This came from parents. I certainly hope parents aren’t encouraging their children to be unaccepting of other children.I find this so disappointing.

The bottom line is: ALL of us are responsible to do what is best for the children, for their education and their future. We owe it to them. They are the citizens of tomorrow, our future leaders.

I recently walked through the Burt County Fair Parade, as President of the Oakland City Council. I had many friends and family walk through with me, showing my dedication to Oakland and the community. I am running for election in November. I wanted to see people first-hand and let them know how much I care for each and every one of them.

At the end of the parade, I had a person whom I had never met, ask me what my position was on the school consolidation issue. I was quite surprised by the question, but I knew my answer immediately. I kindly told her that at this point, I was undecided. I want to take more time to review each side of the issue before making a definite decision. I also told her I think this has to be so difficult for every person on both sides of the proposal.

Since then, I have given in a great deal of thought. I do believe at some point in time, school consolidation will happen for both schools. This will be determined on the amount of state aid available to schools and how well a school can manage based upon their budget. I hope and pray that each district puts education for each student on the front burner.

If each school can provide the best of education for each child without consolidation, then I am for that. But, if that is not a possibility, then consolidation is a must.

I also want to share a memory of my own. I grew up in Tekamah. I went attended Tekamah-Herman schools through my Freshman year. Then, we moved to Oakland. I began my Sophomore year at Oakland-Craig Schools. Those that remember both schools in the year of 1978, you will remember how competitive they were in sports. They were huge rivals back then.

I was terrified to start school in Oakland-Craig. I need not worry so much. I was welcomed and made many friends whom I am still friends with today.

I also stayed friends with my Tekamah-Herman class and the teachers and staff there. I am invited back to every class reunion and just attended our 35 year reunion. I also attended my 35 year O-C class reunion the same day. It is a juggling act, but I want to see everyone! They are a big part of my life.

Basically, I went through my own school consolidation and all went fine.

If the voters approve a consolidation, I don’t worry about students getting along. I know both districts have good, caring people and each of them will come together for the sake of the children.

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Folks, it is a tough time. Decisions to be made about the local schools combining or not. I recently read a post that stated Tekamah would have to come to Oakland to school. That is not the case.

IF the schools consolidate, and that is an IF based on voting in November, which both school districts have to approve to move forward, there would be a new school for upper grades at an approved location. Elementary schools in each district would remain as they are. Please be informed of the facts, not the gossip. The future of generations to come depend on the facts, and their education is what counts.

The purpose of this meeting is to discuss and take all necessary action to approve or not approve a reorganization Petition and Plan, calling a bond election, and to take other actions as shown on the agenda for this special meeting. Copies of the draft documents are available for review in the Office of the Superintendent. *

A copy of the agenda, kept continuously current, is available for inspection at the Office of the Superintendent of Schools during regular business hours.

ROUTINE AGENDA

CALL THE MEETING TO ORDER

Call the Meeting to Order at _______p.m. – President Pete Thiele

Note the Nebraska Open Meetings Law

Notice of this meeting was properly posted and/or published by advance Public Notice in accordance with Board Policy #2008 with notice and advance agenda given to the President of the Board and all members prior to the meeting date.

EXCUSED ABSENCES

________________moved that ­­­____________________ is absent, excused.

DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND TAKE ALL NECESSARY ACTION TO APPROVE OR NOT APPROVE A REORGANIZATION PETITION AND PLAN BETWEEN BURT COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 11‐0014 (OAKLAND‐CRAIG PUBLIC SCHOOLS) AND BURT COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 11‐0001 (TEKANAH-HERMAN PUBLIC SCHOOLS) *

_____________________ moved to approve the proposed reorganization Petition and Plan between BURT COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 11‐0014 (OAKLAND‐CRAIG PUBLIC SCHOOLS) and BURT COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 11‐0001 (TEKANAH-HERMAN PUBLIC SCHOOLS).

There being no further business on the agenda of this meeting, President Thiele adjourned this meeting at _________p.m.

*Please note that referenced documents may be updated, modified or additional documents may be added for clarification as part of this agenda up to 24 hours prior to the scheduled commencement of the meeting.

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